"Will you not be gallant enough to offer her a home, Monsieur de Tressan ?" "Will I ?" gasped Tressan, scarce daring to believe his own ears, his eyes staring with a look that was almost one of vacancy.

"Madame well knows how readily." "Oho ?" crowed Garnache, who had been observing madame's face.

"She knows?
Then do so, monsieur; and on that condition I will forget your indiscretions here.

I pledge you my word that you shall not be called to further account for the lives that have been lost through your treachery and want of loyalty, provided that of your own free will you lay down your Seneschalship of Dauphiny an office which I cannot consent to see you filling hereafter." Tressan stared from the Dowager to Garnache and back to the Dowager.

She stood there as if Garnache's words had turned her into marble, bereft of speech through very rage.